In recent years a lot of research is being done on the history of the Wadiyars of Mysore by both Indian and foreign scholars. Recently I read two books on Krishnaraja Wadiyar III — one written by Dr. Chitkal and the other by Dr. R. Gopal and Narendra Prasad.

The former deals with this Maharaja's contribution to culture and fine arts. This policy was continued by Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. And Mysore became a cradle of fine arts and culture.

Royal Relations:
The other book is like a review of various incidents based on contemporary archival material analyzing historical events. Relations between Mummadi, Poornaiah and the British have been analysed here in detail and shows Poornaiah in poor light while the Maharaja maintained his dignity and won the hearts of the people. Though Dewan Poornaiah was highly efficient in administering the Mysore State when the Maharaja was still a boy, there are indications that he took the Maharaja for granted and also hoodwinked the British with his cleverness and practically became an autocrat.

At times he used to be haughty even with British officers who tolerated him for their own agenda. However, there are hundreds of admirers of Dewan Poornaiah while thousands of people have admired Krishnaraja Wadiyar III.

Wadiyar as a boy:
When Krishnaraja Wadiyar III as a boy was appointed (1799) as the Maharaja, Lord Wellesley and Dewan Poornaiah took the hand of the Wadiyar and led him to the throne. The Resident of Madras had sent good wishes to the Maharaja and it was conveyed to the Maharaja in Kannada translations. After sometime misunderstanding developed between the Maharaja and Poornaiah. When the Maharaja wanted to take part in administration, he was not permitted to do so. There were actually two groups in the administration; Dewan's party and Maharaja's party. Once a subordinate officer insulted the Maharaja and immediately it was brought to the attention of Mr. Cole.

The Maharaja wrote that this may look like a small and minor incident, but it will convey a wrong message to the people that Maharaja is hapless. Instead of taking action against the culprit, Cole praised the Maharaja and mildly advised Poornaiah. He became furious and told the Maharaja "I will bring another boy to the throne and you will be changed."

Maharaja's desire:
At another time, the Maharaja wrote "Is it a crime to understand the administration? I have no work to do. Sitting idle in the palace is shameful. It is not befitting for a king. Let the Dewan run the administration for hundred years; let him sign the documents with his seal. But I have every right to know how the administration is going on, its revenue and other details. These details should be made known to me. Resident Cole brought this letter to the notice by Poornaiah and he laughed and said that this is due to the misdirected energy of the youth, coupled with wrong advice: Some wicked people are behind this boy and he is dancing to their tunes."

However, Cole did not accept this explanation. But Poornaiah was stubborn. He told "I have obtained this position by contract and not by the grace of anybody. After me, my son or relative will become the Dewan." Cole told Poornaiah not to entertain such foolish ideas.

Salary refused:
Poornaiah had not taken his salary for a particular month and the Maharaja called his son and sent his salary to his house. Poornaiah became furious and shouted before everybody: "I am not your servant; my son is not your servant and hence I will not accept salary by you." With great patience, the Maharaja told Cole that he will not tolerate such insults. Cole apologised to the Maharaja.

Milk for Brahmins:
Financial audit of the State showed that Poornaiah had to remit to the State treasury a huge amount. The Maharaja wrote a letter to him. He retorted by saying "I will give that amount to any servant of yours but not to that Maharaja."

On another occasion the audit pointed out that 9,31,380 gold coins (Kanthiraya hana) have been spent on “milk for brahmins”. The audit did not accept this expenditure and asked for sanction. Poornaiah said he did that at the instance of Dowager queen which was found to be false. He was asked if he had taken permission from the Maharaja. He shouted "My power is supreme and the king has nothing to do with it; he is a mere boy." However, the Maharaja was kind enough to pardon Poornaiah and exempted him from payment.

Cole insulted:
Resident Cole wanted to make a compromise and invited both the Maharaja and Poornaiah. The latter haughtily replied, "Who are you to invite me to the Palace; I will not accept subordination."

Retirement:
Unable to tolerate Poornaiah further, the Maharaja compulsorily retired him from service with a monthly pension. The Maharaja honoured him with shawls and gave a send off. Poornaiah died in 1812. The Maharaja continued for over half a century and died on 1868, praised by one and all.